. >>> back here at home, top republican lawmakers now say they'd be willing to break a no tax pledge to avoid the fiscal cliff. georgia senator saxby chambliss was among those on the sunday talk shows who said he'd be willing to reconsider raising taxes if democrats will cut spending. >> i will violate the pledge, long story short, for the good of the country only if the democrats agree to reform. >> the pledge signed 18 years ago is for that congress. the world has changed and the economic situation is different. >> now, congressional staffers met over the holiday weekend. and leaders intend to meet with the president this week. there are predictions it could be wrapped up before christmas. >> i like that optimism. >>> well, president obama is expected to announce this week a major reshuffling of his cabinet. u.n. ambassador susan rice will likely be the president's nominee to replace hillary clinton as secretary of state. on top of that, massachusetts senator john kerry is said to be the leading candidate to replace leon panetta at secretary of defense. >>> and we're also expected